We wish you a speedy recovery. Here is some important information about caring for yourself when you go home.
Traveling home
For your safety, a responsible adult must drive you home after the procedure. The medication you received during the procedure makes you drowsy. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
How will I feel?
You may feel discomfort in the area where the catheter was inserted. This should go away within 24 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will tell you what medications you can take for pain control.
Many people feel extra heartbeats, a racing heart, or skipped heartbeats on and off for a few weeks after the procedure. You may feel like your abnormal heart rhythm is returning, but the symptoms then stop. You may also have mild shortness of breath or fatigue. These symptoms are normal and shouldn’t last more than 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure. Please tell your doctor or nurse if your symptoms are prolonged or severe, or if your abnormal heart rhythm returns.
When can I take a shower?
You may take a shower the day after the procedure. Avoid extreme water temperatures. Wait 5 days before soaking in a Jacuzzi bath.
When to call
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these signs of infection:
- Increased drainage, bleeding or oozing from the catheter insertion site.
- Increased opening of the incision.
- Redness, swelling or warmth around the catheter insertion site.
- Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.4 degrees Celsius.
For urgent matters, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
How do I care for the wound site?
Keep the catheter insertion area clean and dry. Do not scrub the area. You do not need to keep the wound covered with a bandage. Do not use creams, lotions or ointments on the wound site.
Look at the area daily to make sure it is healing properly. If you notice any of the signs of infection, please call your doctor.
Are there any activity restrictions?
These activity guidelines should be followed the first week after your procedure:
- Do not lift objects that weigh more than 10 pounds.
- Avoid activities that require pushing or pulling heavy objects, such as shoveling the snow or mowing the lawn.
- Stop any activity before you become over-tired.
- Try to walk as much as possible for exercise. Your doctor will tell you when you can resume more strenuous activities.
When can I go back to work?
Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to work. If you have the flexibility at your job, ease back to your regular work schedule.
When should I follow-up?
Your doctor will talk to you about your follow-up schedule.
Managing your condition
Catheter ablation is only one part of a comprehensive treatment program. It is also important for you to take your medications, make dietary changes, live a healthy lifestyle, keep your follow-up appointments, and be an active member of your treatment team.
